sociable

1 of 2

adjective

so·​cia·​ble ˈsō-shə-bəl How to pronounce sociable (audio)
1
: inclined by nature to companionship with others of the same species : social
2
a
: inclined to seek or enjoy companionship
b
: marked by or conducive to friendliness or pleasant social relations
sociableness noun
sociably adverb

sociable

2 of 2

noun

: an informal social gathering frequently involving a special activity or interest
Choose the Right Synonym for sociable

gracious, cordial, affable, genial, sociable mean markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse.

gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

Examples of sociable in a Sentence

Adjective They are sociable people who enjoy having parties. They had a very sociable evening.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Lilly is a Libra who has a creative and sociable side to her, which isn’t in line with Harper’s vibe. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 In terms of sociability towards other dogs, while there was previously no difference, after adjusting for age, brachycephalic dogs were actually less sociable than long-nosed dogs. New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2025 For example, short-nosed dogs are innately less friendly toward other dogs, but this is offset by their youth (younger dogs are typically more sociable). Laura Baisas Aug 6, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2025 Actually, the next four weeks will be extra popular and sociable for you. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sociable

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin sociabilis, from sociare to join, associate, from socius

First Known Use

Adjective

1511, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1750, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sociable was in 1511

Cite this Entry

“Sociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sociable. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

sociable

1 of 2 adjective
so·​cia·​ble ˈsō-shə-bəl How to pronounce sociable (audio)
1
: likely to seek or enjoy companionship : affable, friendly
sociable people
2
: leading to friendliness or pleasant social relations
sociably adverb

sociable

2 of 2 noun
Etymology

Adjective

from early French sociable "social, sociable," from Latin sociabilis (same meaning), from sociare "to join, associate," from socius "ally, companion" — related to associate

More from Merriam-Webster on sociable

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